Bill Cosby to Perform at the Civic Center

Legendary Bill Cosby will appear at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center on May 15, 2014.

POUGHKEEPSIE– One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and bestselling books. His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. Bill Cosby will be performing live at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center on Thursday, May 15th at 8:00pm.

This exclusive show will be to benefit the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. The Civic Center is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to providing cultural, recreational, and education opportunities to the Hudson Valley. There are also sponsorship opportunities available at various levels. To inquire about these sponsorships email paull@midhudsonciviccenter.org.

Cosby broke television’s racial barrier with I Spy, becoming the first African American to costar on a television series while winning three consecutive Emmys. He created and produced the Emmy-winning cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004. The show, based on Cosby’s childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.

The former Navy serviceman’s illustrious list of accomplishments includes roles on the children’s educational show Electric Company and creating and producing the Emmy award winning Little Bill, which is based on his bestselling book series.

Perhaps Cosby’s greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is The Cosby Show, about a close-knit, upper class black family. Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family. Time magazine called the show "an encouraging sign of maturity in matters of race." The Cosby Show dominated the No. One spot for years, earning nearly unanimous critical praise. Life magazine described the program as "a gentle, whimsical, warmhearted" show whose "delicious ordinariness of its pleasures and tribulations has given millions a fresh, laughter-splashed perspective on their own domestic lives."

Bill Cosby’s current best seller, I Didn’t Ask to Be Born, But I’m Glad I Was. Cosby talks about the Bible, being a grandfather and his first love in his humorous and insightful manner.

Cosby has received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (America’s highest civilian honor), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award.

Cosby’s been busy raising a family, too. He married the former Camille Hanks on January 25, 1964, while she was still a student at the University of Maryland. They raised four daughters (Erika, Erinn, Ensa and Evin) and one son (Ennis) and now have three grandchildren. The family resides in New England.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 28th at 10:00am and can be purchased at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. There will be reserved seating. For more information, call (845)454-5800 x1201 or visit us at www.midhudsonciviccenter.org.

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